WASHINGTON
The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill to approve the construction of a controversial oil pipeline, despite a veto threat from President Barack Obama.
The House voted 266-153 to authorize the Keystone XL pipeline that will send oil from the Canadian tar sands to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries.
A Senate committee on Thursday passed its version of the bill and it awaits a vote in the full chamber as early as next week.
Along with strong support from Republicans, 28 Democrats voted to approve House’s bill.
Just hours before Friday's vote, the Nebraska Supreme Court, which has been reviewing the pipeline for more than six years, decided to approve the project.
Proponents of the controversial pipeline argue that the construction project would create jobs while opponents cite environmental concerns.
